NASHUA — About 150 cats are waiting to find homes in southern New Hampshire, prompting officials from the Humane Society for Greater Nashua to take action.

The local animal shelter is hosting its first-ever Kitten Shower next week, designed to find pet-lovers who are ready and willing to bring home a new feline member for the family.

“There are some shelters out there that have had very successful Kitten Showers. We thought we should give it a try and hopefully some of these abandoned cats will be taken in,” said Laurie Dufault, director of development and public relations for the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.

Currently, there are 86 cats being held at the shelter, and another 63 cats in foster care, according to Dufault.

“That is pretty typical for us,” she said, adding the shelter is constantly looking for families willing to take home cats, or to serve as foster families for younger kittens not yet ready to be taken home.

The Kitten Shower, on Thurs. Aug. 23, is open to the public. Guests are asked to bring along an item to help take care of the cats, including Iams kitten food (canned or dry), kitten milk replacement or gift cards to pet stores.

During the summer and fall, the shelter seems to take in its largest number of cats, according to Dufault, who said any help is appreciated.

The Humane Society for Greater Nashua is the second busiest shelter in New Hampshire, and accepts about 2,500 pets each year.

“Our numbers can change in a heartbeat. Sometimes our supplies get low, especially when we have a high influx of cats,” explained Dufault.

The Kitten Shower will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 at the shelter, 24 Ferry Road. However, cat adoptions will take place throughout the day from noon to 7 p.m.

Organizers are hoping this will become an annual tradition to celebrate the many cats that still need permanent homes in New Hampshire. For $95, individuals can take home a cat that is spayed or neutered, and has all of its necessary vaccinations.

“It is well worth it,” said Dufault, adding the event will be festive and entertaining with games, cake, cookies and other activities for children.

For more information, call 889-2275.
khoughton@newstote.com